Game piece

ABSTRACT

A game piece for playing a promotional game and a method of playing a promotional game. The game piece includes a housing, a battery, a plurality of a signaling devices, a removable tab, and a timing circuit. The timing circuit is activated by removing the tab. The first signaling device is illuminated immediately. After a predetermined amount of time the remaining signaling devices are illuminated. Some game pieces are programmed to illuminate all signaling devices, while others are programmed to illuminate less than all of the signaling devices; however all game pieces are identical. The game is played by distributing game pieces to patrons of an establishment. The removable tab on each game piece is removed, beginning the timing circuit. After a predetermined amount of time, the final signaling device on “winning” game pieces will activate. The establishment will award prizes to patrons holding a winning game piece.

RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation-in-part application of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/498,013, filed 2 Aug. 2006.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of devices and methods for a game wherein prizes are awarded. Various establishments seek to attract and retain patrons by offering something of value to prospective patrons. Some establishments offer a free gift to every person entering the establishment, or to every person entering the establishment and meeting certain predetermined qualifications. However, such a giveaway does not encourage patrons to remain in the establishment.

Other games may utilize an element of random chance. For example, tokens bearing an indicia may be distributed to prospective patrons. Different prizes may be associated with some or all of the different indicia. The prospective patron must enter the establishment to determine what, if any prize he has won. However, in a game such as this security measures must be employed to prevent the persons distributing the tokens from identifying the tokens bearing the indicia associated with the most valuable prizes and diverting those tokens for their own use. These security measures increase the cost of conducting the game. Further, once the prospective patron has entered the establishment to determine what, if any, prize he has won, the game is over and he has no incentive to remain at the establishment.

Therefore it is desired to provide a game wherein all the game pieces appear the same, so as to reduce the costs of security. Further, it is desired to provide a game which will induce patrons to remain in the establishment in order to receive a prize.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a method of practicing a promotional game, and a game piece adapted to be used in the game.

The game piece includes a housing, a battery, a plurality of signaling devices, a timing circuit, and a removable tab. The signaling devices may be a light, such as a light emitting diode (LED) and/or an audio speaker. The battery, signaling devices, and timing circuit are enclosed within the housing. The removable tab has a portion which extends from the housing and a portion which is located inside the housing. The removable tab is initially positioned such that it touches the battery and interrupts the circuit. When the tab is removed, the circuit is completed and the timer begins. The timing circuit is preprogrammed to instantly trigger the first signaling device. The timing circuit is further preprogrammed to trigger the successive signaling devices at preset time intervals. In use, a predetermined number of game pieces are preprogrammed to trigger all of the signaling devices. The remainder of the game pieces are preprogrammed to trigger some, but not all, of the signaling devices. The game pieces preprogrammed to trigger all of the signaling devices will be “winning” game pieces. In this manner, the winning game pieces will be indistinguishable from the nonwinning game pieces by visual or tactile inspection.

The method of playing the game includes randomly distributing game pieces to patrons. The removable tab is then removed from the game piece. The patron then waits a predetermined amount of time to see if their game piece is a winner. Alternatively, the patron may leave the venue where the game piece is distributed and then return if the game piece is a winner. As another alternative, the patron may be directed from one venue to another either before or after it is determined if the game piece is a winner. The length of the predetermined amount of time may or may not be disclosed to the patron. If the game piece is a winner, the patron will be awarded a prize.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a simplified sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a simplified sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.

FIG. 1 shows a game piece 10 according to the present invention. The game piece 10 of the present invention may take many forms, including, but not limited to a pin, button, badge, necklace, or fob. As seen in FIG. 1, the game piece 10 includes a housing 12. FIG. 2 shows the inside of the game piece 10. Inside the housing 12 is timing circuit 14 including at least one battery 16 and at least one light emitting diode (LED) 18. Such simple electrical circuits 14 are well known in the art. The battery 16 or batteries are preferably held in a connection plate (not shown) which mechanically and electrically connects the battery is to the rest of the circuit 14. The game piece 10 further includes a removable tab 20. The tab 20 initially sits between the battery 16 and the connection plate. When the tab 20 is removed, the electrical connection is made, and the timing begins. Once the timing circuit reaches the predetermined waiting time, the LED 18 is illuminated. The housing 12 of the game piece 12 may include openings 30 in the front surface of the housing, through which the LEDs 18 extend.

The game piece 10 may include a pin 22 attached to the back of the housing 12. The pin 22 may be of any known type typically used. The pin 22 allows the patron to attach the game piece 10 to his or her clothing.

The game piece 10 may further be provided with promotional indicial 32. The promotional indicia 32 may be of any type, including, but not limited to, a slogan or logo for the establishment or a product sold or service provided at the establishment. The promotional indicia may be applied to the housing 12 of the game piece 10 by any means, including, but not limited to, attaching a decal, sticker, or label to the housing 12, painting the indicia 32 on the housing 12, printing the indicia 32 on the housing 12, engraving the indicia 32 on the housing 12, molding the indicia 32 into the housing 12, or stamping the indicia 32 on the housing 12.

An alternate embodiment of the game piece 110 is shown in FIG. 4. This embodiment includes a hole 124. Among other uses, this hole may be attached to a ring, such as in a key chain. The interior circuitry and battery is not shown, but is essentially the same as the preferred embodiment described herein, including the removable tab 120. The game piece 110 may be provided with promotional indicia 132 on the housing 112.

An alternate embodiment of a game piece 210 is shown in FIG. 3. This shows a circuit 214 including removable tab 220 and both LEDS 218 and a speaker 226. In this embodiment the speaker is preprogrammed to play a sound when the timing circuit reaches its predetermined waiting time. It is contemplated that any sound could be played, including a prerecorded voice message or a song. It is contemplated that the game pieces 210 could have LEDS 218, a speaker 226, or both. This embodiment also includes a reset button 228. The reset button 228 is aligned with a small hole 230 in the housing. Engagement of the reset button 228 will interrupt the circuit 214 and cause the illumination of the LEDs 218 and/or playing of the sound to end. The housing (not shown) of the game piece of this embodiment may also be provided with a hole through which the sound may be transmitted.

The game is played using two types of game pieces, live game pieces and dead game pieces. The game pieces are substantially identical in appearance and weight. However, the live game pieces have timing circuits that can be activated while the dead game pieces cannot be activated. Because both types of game pieces use substantially identical batteries and circuits, it is not possible to distinguish between live game pieces and dead game pieces on the basis of appearance or weight. In this manner, patrons do not instantly know if their game piece is live or dead. Patrons must wait for a predetermined amount of time to find out if their game piece is live or dead.

One purpose of the game is to provide patrons with an incentive to stay in the establishment. The intent is that the longer the patron stays in the establishment, the more money the patron will spend in the establishment.

This method of gaming can be used in any situation where a proprietor desires to have patrons remain in the proprietor's establishment for an extended period of time. For the purposes of explanation and not to be limiting, this method of gaming could be utilized in a bar, a casino, a sporting event, a festival, or any other gathering of people.

The length of time between removal of the tab 20 and activation of the LED 18 is determined by the proprietor and is set during the manufacture of the game piece 10. The length of time may be influenced by the type of establishment in which the game is to be played. If the game is to be played at a sporting event which lasts for two hours, the timer may run for one and one half hours before activating the LED 18/218 and/or speaker 226.

A game in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is designed to attract patrons to an establishment and to retain the patrons in the establishment. The owner the sponsor of the game or owner of the establishment would first decide how many game pieces 10 are needed and what percentage of the game pieces will capable of being activated (i.e. winning game pieces).

To play the game the prospective patron must visit the establishment or venue where the game pieces are distributed. Upon receiving a game piece, the patron or player will remove the tab 18. This activates the timer in the circuit 14.

If the patron receives a live game piece 10, the LED 18 will light up and/or the speaker will sound after a predetermined amount of time. The patron will then go to a redemption location to receive a prize.

The redemption location may be a specific location within the establishment, or may be an alternate location. For example, the game piece 10 may be distributed at a sporting event and the timer may be programmed to activate on winning game pieces prior to the end of the event. Winners will then directed to another establishment, such a bar, restaurant or retailer within a specific amount of time to claim their prize. As another example, each game piece 10 may be distributed at a specific location, such as a booth at a trade show. Each patron then continues to view other booths at the trade show but must return to the both where the game piece was distributed if it is determined that the game piece is a winner. As yet another example, each game piece 10 may be distributed to a selected number of patrons in an establishment, as opposed to all patrons in order to allow the sponsor of the game to enhance the odds of winning or value of the prize or prizes awarded. It is to be understood that the venue or venues where the game pieces 10 are distributed and where the prizes are awarded, along with the number of players eligible to participate in each game can change without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The preferred embodiment of the game piece is similar to the embodiment described above, however the game piece includes at least 3 LEDs 18, 34, 36, as shown in FIG. 1. The game piece 10 may take many forms, including, but not limited to a pin, button, badge, necklace, or fob. As seen in FIG. 1, the game piece 10 includes a housing 12. FIG. 2 shows the inside of the game piece 10. Inside the housing 12 is timing circuit 14 including at least one battery 16 and at least three LED 18, 34, 36. The battery 16 or batteries are preferably held in a connection plate (not shown) which mechanically and electrically connects the battery is to the rest of the circuit 14. The game piece 10 further includes a removable tab 20. The tab 20 initially sits between the battery 16 and the connection plate. When the tab 20 is removed, the electrical connection is made, and the timing begins. At the time the electrical connection is made the first LED 18 is illuminated. Once the timing circuit 14 reaches a first predetermined waiting time, for example 20 minutes, the second LED 34 is illuminated. Once the timing circuit 14 reaches a second predetermined waiting time, for example thirty minutes, the third LED 36 may be illuminated. The housing 312 of the game piece 10 may include openings 30 in the front surface of the housing 12, through which the LEDs 18, 34, 36 extend.

The LEDs 18, 34, 36 may be of any type common in the art. The LEDs 18, 34, 36 may flash when illuminated, or may be constantly illuminated. Further, each LED 18, 34, 36 may remain illuminated as the additional LEDs 18, 34, 36 are illuminated, or each LED 18, 34, 36 may turn off as consecutive LEDs 18, 34, 36 are illuminated. For example, when the second LED 34 is illuminated the first LED 18 may remain illuminated. When the third LED 36 is illuminated the second LED 34 and the first LED 18 may remain illuminated. Alternatively, when the second LED 34 is illuminated, the first LED 18 may be turned off. When the third LED 36 is illuminated, the second LED 34 may be turned off.

The LEDS 18, 34, 36 may be colored, or may be clear. Further, each LED 18, 34, 36 may be of a different color, or the LEDS may all be the same color.

In the preferred embodiment, the game piece 10 is attached to a necklace or chain of beads through an opening in the housing. However, it may be desirable for the game piece 10 may include a pin 22 attached to the back of the housing 12. The pin 22 may be of any known type typically used. The pin 22 allows the patron to attach the game piece 10 to his or her clothing.

The game piece 10 may further be provided with promotional indicial 32. The promotional indicia 32 may be of any type, including, but not limited to, a slogan or logo for the establishment or a product sold or service provided at the establishment. The promotional indicia may be applied to the housing 12 of the game piece 10 by any means, including, but not limited to, attaching a decal, sticker, or label to the housing 12, painting the indicia 32 on the housing 12, printing the indicia 32 on the housing 12, engraving the indicia 32 on the housing 12, molding the indicia 32 into the housing 12, or stamping the indicia 32 on the housing 12.

An alternate embodiment of the game piece 110 is shown in FIG. 4. This embodiment includes an opening 124. Among other uses, this opening may be attached to a ring, such as in a key chain. The interior circuitry and battery is not shown, but is essentially the same as the preferred embodiment described herein, including the removable tab 20. The game piece 110 may be provided with promotional indicia 32 on the housing 112.

An alternate embodiment of a game piece 210 is shown in FIG. 3. This shows a circuit 14 including removable tab 20 and both LEDS 18, 34, 36 and a speaker 26. In this embodiment the speaker 26 is preprogrammed to play a sound when the timing circuit 314 reaches one of the predetermined waiting times. It is contemplated that any sound could be played, including a prerecorded voice message or a song. It is contemplated that the game pieces 510 could have LEDS 18, 34, 36, a speaker 26, or both.

For example, the game piece could be configured with three LEDS 18, 34, 36 and one speaker 26 such that when the tab 20 is removed, the electrical connection is made, and the timing begins. At the time the electrical connection is made the first LED 18 may be illuminated. Once the timing circuit 14 reaches a first predetermined waiting time, the second LED 34 is illuminated. Once the timing circuit 14 reaches a second predetermined waiting time, the third LED 36 may be illuminated and the pre-recorded message or music may be played.

This embodiment also includes a reset button 28. The reset button 28 is aligned with a small hole 30 in the housing. Engagement of the reset button 28 will interrupt the circuit 14 and cause the illumination of the LEDs 18, 34, 36 and/or playing of the sound to end. The housing (not shown) of the game piece of this embodiment may also be provided with a hole through which the sound may be transmitted.

Alternately, the game piece could be configured with two LEDs 18, 34 and one speaker 26 such that when the tab 20 is removed, the electrical connection is made, and the timing begins. At the time the electrical connection is made the first LED 18 may be illuminated. Once the timing circuit 314 reaches a first predetermined waiting time, the second LED 34 is illuminated. Once the timing circuit 14 reaches a second predetermined waiting time, the pre-recorded message or music may be played.

The game is played using two types of game pieces 10, winning game pieces and nonwinning game pieces. The game pieces 10 are substantially identical in appearance and weight. However, the winning game pieces 10 have timing circuits 14 that will active all three LEDS 18 while the non-winning game pieces have timing circuits 14 that will only activate the first two LEDS 18, 34. Because both types of game pieces 10 use substantially identical batteries 16 and circuits 14, it is not possible to distinguish between winning game pieces and non-winning game pieces on the basis of appearance or weight. In this manner, patrons do not instantly know if their game piece 10 is winning or non-winning. Patrons must wait for a predetermined amount of time to find out if their game piece 10 is winning or non-winning.

The length of time between removal of the tab 20 and activation of the second and third LEDs 34, 36 is determined by the proprietor and is set during the manufacture of the game piece 10. The length of time may be influenced by the type of establishment in which the game is to be played. For example, if the game is to be played at a sporting event which lasts for two hours, the timer may run for 30 minutes before activating the first LED 18 and another 30 minutes before activating the second LED 34.

A game in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is designed to attract patrons to an establishment and to retain the patrons in the establishment. The sponsor of the game or owner of the establishment would first decide how many game pieces 310 are needed and what percentage of the game pieces 310 will be winning game pieces. The sponsor or owner will then be provided with an appropriate number of winning and non-winning game pieces.

To play the game the prospective patron must visit the establishment or venue where the game pieces 10 are distributed. Upon receiving a game piece 10, the patron or player will remove the tab 20. This activates the timer in the circuit 14.

The first LED 18 will light up immediately after the tab 20 is pulled. This verifies that the game piece 10 is operating properly. The second LED 34 will light up after a predetermined amount of time. This further verifies that the game piece is operating properly. If the patron receives a winning game piece, the third LED 36 will light up and/or the speaker will sound after a predetermined amount of time. The patron will then go to a redemption location to receive a prize. Because the first and second LEDs 18, 34 will be illuminated on every game piece 10, not just on winning game pieces, game patrons can be assured that their game piece 10 is functioning correctly.

The redemption location may be a specific location within the establishment, or may be an alternate location. For example, the game piece 10 may be distributed at a sporting event and the timer may be programmed to activate the third LED 36 on winning game pieces prior to the end of the event. Winners will then directed to another establishment, such a bar, restaurant or retailer within a specific amount of time to claim their prize. As another example, each game piece 10 may be distributed at a specific location, such as a booth at a trade show. Each patron then continues to view other booths at the trade show but must return to the both where the game piece was distributed if it is determined that the game piece is a winner. As yet another example, each game piece 10 may be distributed to a selected number of patrons in an establishment, as opposed to all patrons in order to allow the sponsor of the game to enhance the odds of winning or value of the prize or prizes awarded. It is to be understood that the venue or venues where the game pieces 10 are distributed and where the prizes are awarded, along with the number of players eligible to participate in each game can change without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims. 

1. A promotional gaming method comprising the steps of: (a) distributing game pieces to players; (b) activating said game pieces; (c) verifying that said game piece is operating; (d) waiting a predetermined amount of time to see which, if any, of said game pieces are winners; and (e) awarding prizes to each player who possesses a winning game piece and redeems said game piece at a predetermined location.
 2. The promotional gaming method of claim 1 wherein prior to said providing step, the method comprises the step of determining a number of winning game pieces.
 3. The promotional gaming method of claim 1 wherein prior to said providing step, the method comprises the step of determining an amount of time to wait to see if a game piece is a winner.
 4. The promotional gaming method of claim 1 wherein said distribution step further includes randomly distributing game pieces to players.
 5. The promotional gaming method of claim 1 wherein said distributing step further includes distributing game pieces to every player within a venue.
 6. The promotional gaming method of claim 1 wherein prior to said providing step, the method comprises applying promotional indicia to each game piece.
 7. The promotional gaming method of claim 1 further including the step of deactivating winning game pieces.
 8. A promotional gaming method comprising the steps of: (a) distributing game pieces to players; (b) activating said game pieces; (c) waiting a predetermined amount of time to see which, if any, of said game pieces are winners; and (d) awarding prizes to each player who possesses a winning game piece and redeems said game piece at a predetermined location.
 9. A game piece comprising: (a) a housing with at least three openings formed therein; (b) a timing circuit disposed in said housing and connected to a battery; and (c) at least three signaling device connected to said circuit and each of said signaling devices being positioned in one of said openings.
 10. The game piece of claim 9 wherein said housing is a button.
 11. The game piece of claim 9 wherein said housing is a fob.
 12. The game piece of claim 9 wherein said housing is adapted to receive a necklace.
 13. The game piece of claim 9 wherein at least one of said signaling devices comprises a light.
 14. The game piece of claim 9 wherein at least one of said signaling devices comprises means for making noise.
 15. The game piece of claim 9 wherein at least one of said signaling devices comprises a light emitting diode.
 16. The game piece of claim 9 wherein said game piece further includes a reset button.
 17. The game piece of claim of claim 16 wherein said housing has an additional opening, said reset button being positioned in said additional opening.
 18. A game piece comprising: (a) a housing; (b) a timing circuit disposed in said housing and connected to a battery; and (c) at least three signaling devices connected to said circuit.
 19. The game piece of claim 18 wherein at least one of said signaling devices comprises a light emitting diode.
 20. The game piece of claim 18 wherein at least one of said signaling devices comprises means for making noise. 